What does an endodontist do?
An endodontist is a dentist who treats problems inside the tooth, especially the pulp and root canals. They help save teeth that might otherwise need to be removed. Most people see an endodontist when they have deep tooth pain, an infection, or a tooth injury.
When should I see an endodontist?
You may need an endodontist if you have pain that does not go away or a tooth that is very sensitive. They also help when a regular dentist finds a tooth with nerve damage or a bad infection. Common reasons include:
- Severe tooth pain
- Pain when chewing
- Hot or cold sensitivity that lingers
- Swelling near a tooth
- A cracked or injured tooth
What treatments does an endodontist do?
Endodontists most often do root canal treatment, which removes infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth. They also treat tooth injuries and may do special procedures to save teeth after a failed root canal. Common treatments include:
- Root canal therapy
- Retreatment of a root canal
- Endodontic surgery
- Repair after tooth trauma
What happens during a root canal?
A root canal is meant to stop pain and save the tooth. The area is numbed first, so the procedure should not hurt much more than a filling.
- The endodontist takes X-rays and checks the tooth.
- They numb the area with local anesthesia.
- They remove the infected pulp.
- They clean and shape the root canals.
- They fill and seal the tooth.
How is an endodontist different from a regular dentist?
A regular dentist handles general care like cleanings, fillings, and exams. An endodontist has extra training in tooth pain and root canal problems. If your tooth is hard to save, they may be the best person to help.
FAQ
Is a root canal painful? Most patients feel relief, not pain, because the tooth is numbed first. You may feel sore for a few days after, but this usually gets better with time and over-the-counter pain medicine.
Will I lose my tooth after seeing an endodontist? Not always. The main goal is to save your natural tooth. If the tooth is too damaged, the endodontist will explain your options and help you choose the next best step.
Do I need a referral to see an endodontist? Sometimes yes, but not always. Many patients are sent by their regular dentist, while others call an endodontist directly if they have strong tooth pain or swelling.
How long does treatment take? Many root canal visits take about 60 to 90 minutes, but some teeth need more than one visit. The time depends on which tooth is treated and how much infection is present.
